by Bill Sumrall

First United Methodist Church Alexandria’s annual Pumpkin Patch marks 25 years this October of the fall fruit appearing on its Jackson Street lot.

During this time, various church projects have benefitted from sales of this popular variety of squash, along with Native American growers in New Mexico.

“Did you know that the pumpkins come to us at no cost? About 70 percent of our sales go back to the farmers, who depend on this crop for their livelihood,” states Dr. Rev. Ramonalynn Bethley, lead pastor of First United Methodist Church Alexandria (FUMCA).

“Each grower hires a team of workers, most from the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. These pumpkins change lives! This means FUMCA gets to keep 30 percent of the sales to support our own mission and ministries, like youth and children’s activities, music camp and choir ministries, local outreach and community needs. It’s not a fundraiser – it’s a mission!”

The daily hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 14-31.

“And a pumpkin decorating table, so you can take your pumpkins that you pick out … to a table and there’s going to be stickers and things to decorate them with,” said Allee Cantrell, Family Fun Day organizer.

Food trucks are expected where the Farmer’s Market typically is behind the Patch, with a police officer to help visitors who park at the church building to cross Jackson Street into the Patch, Cantrell added.

“There might be a few spots over there (behind food trucks) for people (to park) but a lot of it will be blocked off,” she said.

All Family Fun Day activities will be in the Pumpkin Patch. “Bring everybody, there’ll be something for every age group,” Cantrell said.

For more information, contact the church office at (318) 443-5696.